The following is the statement from the Broward Sheriff's Office regarding the arrest of Deputy Lazaro Mesa:
"The BSO internal affairs investigation into Deputy Mesa was opened the same day of the alleged incident, and within hours of receiving the first complaint. That same day he was immediately pulled off the street and reassigned until his recent suspension without pay.
"The BSO internal affairs investigation into Deputy Mesa was opened the same day of the alleged incident, and within hours of receiving the first complaint. That same day he was immediately pulled off the street and reassigned until his recent suspension without pay.
As for the criminal charges, it was BSO that brought the case to the State Attorney's Office. While bearing in mind that every deputy is always entitled to due process and presumed innocent, we are taking these allegations extremely seriously.
While the State Attorney pursues possible criminal charges, the BSO Internal Affairs Unit will continue its internal investigation."
